DX50 + PB2 = You bypass DX50's internal amp only DX50 still decodes the digital files sends it to it's internal DAC then to PB2.

DX50 + DB2 + PB2 = You bypass both internal DAC and amp on DX50. DX50 only decodes digital files and sends it to DB2 then PB2. Your DX50 at this point is no better nor worse than an iPod or any other DAP in transport only mode.

Yeah that's what I thought of which made my decision to just stop at DX50 + PB2 because if I add DB 2 then I just wasted my extra cash plus compactness of the DX 50 when I can use that money to buy a way better amp or dac for my PC

To me the default UI is better but rockbox does sound much cleaner than FW1.2.8.

I used both and can't find any differences sound wise and the Rockbox on the DX50 feels clumsy and incomplete, I had to struggle too much to make it work so 1.2.8 is just fine the way it is plus once they release the new version, rb is going into the software drawer, just not good enough for higher res files and USB dac connectivity.

I used both and can't find any differences sound wise and the Rockbox on the DX50 feels clumsy and incomplete, I had to struggle too much to make it work so 1.2.8 is just fine the way it is plus once they release the new version, rb is going into the software drawer, just not good enough for higher res files and USB dac connectivity.

Rockbox UI is much more complicated than the stock UI. I actually prefer the stock UI too. I detected subtle differences when using it with analytical phones like the RE272. Haha I don't use hi res files or USB dac that's why it's all good for me.

I used both and can't find any differences sound wise and the Rockbox on the DX50 feels clumsy and incomplete, I had to struggle too much to make it work so 1.2.8 is just fine the way it is plus once they release the new version, rb is going into the software drawer, just not good enough for higher res files and USB dac connectivity.

Rockbox is not just about the UI on DX50. It's about getting the best possible SQ out of the digital file and sending it to the DAC in it's purest form. With the right headphone you will definitely hear a difference from the get go compared to the stock UI. Plus the EQ is much more useful in RB.

We have been spoiled by the overly simplified UI of the stock UI. Actually the stock UI is the clumsy one when it come to simple playback and DAP features. To name a few,

1. gapless never really worked on any stock UI.

2. Playlist (I don't need to say more)

3. Other playback features missing in stock UI like fade in, fade out when pausing, resuming playback. Which actually useful. It gives or ears time to adjust from zero to very loud volume.

4. Crossfade, this actually work for it's intended purpose.

5. Other subtle but otherwise useful features

Oh before I forget, most of the nagging issue with the stock FW, the unexplained SQ change for each version so not be an issue anymore.